To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from Scottish west coast fishermen concerning catch limits; and what action he proposes to take.

Fisheries departments issued a consultation paper on 26 March seeking an industry-wide view on additional conservation measures off the west coast of Scotland. Comments have been received from Scottish west coast fishermen and we are considering their views together with those of other interested parties.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met representatives of the Scottish Fishermen's Association to discuss quotas.

I last discussed quotas with representatives of the Scottish fishing industry at the December Fisheries Council. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my noble Friend the Minister of State, Scottish Office, with whom I am in close touch, are in frequent contact with Scottish fishing industry organisations.